Connectivity management system

ABSTRACT

A system for integrating and modularizing wiring within a building is disclosed. A unitized destination terminal integrates a diverse assortment of communication connectivity needs with power distribution. The terminal mounts near a work surface in each one of a multiplicity of work areas within a building. An integrated communication cable transports a variety of different communication circuits away from the work areas toward a common communication distribution area. The integrated cable is routed through an integrated raceway, which manages the placement and housing of communication systems as a unit that additionally includes power distribution systems. Cabinets at the common comunication distribution area and at a central connectivity area for the building terminate communication cabling at a variety of socket connectors. The central connectivity area couples to PBX, mainframe computer controllers, or other connectivity devices. A variety of jumper cables mate with the socket connectors in a selectable and easily alterable pattern to couple the connectivity devices, such as a PBX, to the destination terminals in the work areas. Extensive modularization and off-site connectorization permit the present invention to be installed quickly and cheaply without the use of highly skilled electricians. The extensive connectorization, as opposed to hard-wiring, and integrated management of a wide assortment of communication channels promotes flexibility in the present invention.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention is a Continuation-In-Part of "Work Station Pre-WiringModule" by Dolan M. LeMaster, Ser. No. 07/220,313, filed Jul. 18, 1988,now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrical power andcommunications connections and wiring within buildings. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses and methodsfor efficiently integrating and managing such connections for costeffective wiring installation and future flexibility.

In one aspect, the invention relates to workstations, here defined asdesks, work surfaces, and the like, at which a person utilizes variousequipment and devices during the course of the work day. The inventionrelates to work stations at which the various equipment and devicesrequire connection to power, signal, data, communication lines and thelike. Specifically, the invention relates to means and method wherebyworkstations may be readily pre-wired to accommodate the various lineconnections required by a wide variety of equipment and devicesanticipated to be used at the workstation. The invention is intended foruse with buildings and workstations of various designs, styles andmanufacture.

2. Prior Art

The modern office has a wide assortment of connectivity or wiringcircuits in equipping employee work areas. AC electrical power,telephone voice communication, low speed data communication betweencomputer terminals and central computers, and high speed local areanetwork (LAN) data communication represent a few of the most commonconnectivity needs of employee work areas. In addition, many work areasuse multiple voice circuits to support multiple phone lines, facsimilemachines, modems, and the like. Often, multiple data lines communicatecomputer data to printers, plotters, remote input devices, and the like.Increasingly, work areas access fiber optic, broadband LAN, and videocommunication links.

Conventionally, the management of all these connectivity needs has beenperformed in an extremely make-shift, haphazard, and inefficient manner.As a result, work area connectivity has become extremely expensive, forboth original wiring installation and later-occurring changes. Forexample, buildings often use independent systems to distribute power,voice, and data, LAN, and video. This leads to a costly duplication inmaterials and labor. In addition, it leads to a costly lack oforganization in overall building connectivity.

In addition, buildings often utilize connectivity systems which relyheavily upon on-site, hard-wired connections. Hard-wired connectionsrequire each end of a wire to be prepared. Such preparations typicallyinvolve removing insulation, dressing wire ends, identifying individualwires, applying terminators, attaching wires, applying strain reliefs,and the like. The attaching of a wire may be to another wire, aconnection block, terminal, or the like. Accordingly, such hard-wiredconnections must be patiently and painstakingly performed by highlyskilled, and expensive, personnel. Moreover, after wiring preparations,such highly skilled personnel must test and occasionally trouble-shoot anetwork of such wires. As a result, costs associated with theinstallation of conventional connectivity systems often reachastronomical proportions.

The modern office also changes in its physical environment at anincreasing pace. These changes in the physical environment imposefrequent changes in work area connectivity. However, conventionalconnectivity systems are extremely inflexible. Hard-wired connectionsagain require the services of highly skilled personnel to make necessarychanges. Often times, such personnel are not available when needed, andentire schedules suffer as a result. When buildings employ separateconnectivity systems for power, voice communication, data communication,LAN communication, video communication, and the like, the overallconnectivity structure becomes extremely unorganized. False floors,ceilings, and wiring raceways, often resemble a "rat's nest" of cabling.Accordingly, minor connectivity changes often turn into extremelycomplicated and time consuming procedures due to this disorganization.Often, connectivity system changes are more efficiently implemented byentirely scrapping a prior system and installing an entirely newconnectivity system when only moderate changes are imposed in a physicalenvironment.

The prior art describes a few devices which address connectivityproblems in the modern office. However, most of such devices addressminor portions of the overall problem, and therefore fail tosignificantly reduce connectivity costs or to increase connectivityflexibility. For example, various manufacturers supply breakout boxes,connectors, raceways, ducts, and the like which serve as modularcomponents that a designer may couple together to implement aconnectivity system. However, such modular components fail to addressthe integration of various connectivity systems and the overallend-to-end connectivity problem. Accordingly, the use of such componentsprovides little help in significantly reducing installation costs or inimproving flexibility.

Similarly, some prior art devices serve as specifically and uniquelydesigned employee workstations. Such workstations are generallyundesirable because they severely limit furniture selections. Forexample, the available selections are often very expensive and fail tomeet aesthetic requirements. Of course, such furniture addressesconnectivity problems only at one end of the connections and fails toaddress overall end-to-end connectivity.

With respect to such workstations, a person is often assigned aworkstation which is pristine: clear and uncluttered. A family picture,a plant, perhaps a child-made pencil holder brings a sense of belongingto the occupant of the workstation. The work surface has a personaltouch and there is still an uncluttered air of efficiency remaining.Next is added a telephone, a computer terminal or personal computer, aprinter/typewriter, optical data reader/writer, or maybe an oscilloscopeand other test equipment. The arrangement of a variety of pieces ofequipment and devices on the work surface may be functionally efficientyet the disorder produced by the concomitant clutter of power cords,signal and data lines, etc. destroys all appearance of efficiency.

Worse--because of the potential danger of tripping--is the cascade ofwires and cables which flows from the work surface, to and across thefloor, seeking a convenience outlet or a signal-or data-source/receptorconnector.

Wilson et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,756 disclose a work surface with apower and communication module attached. The disclosure requires the useof a specialized work surface having a door closure access opening inits top to provide cable access from atop the work surface to the moduleattached below the work surface. Maintaining the door clear limited theuseful area of the work surface. Conversely, equipment placed atop thedoor had to be moved each time access to the module was desired. Themodule itself, and the connectors thereon, were not otherwise accessibleexcept through said door.

The Wilson et al. module was of a size as to offer potential hazard tothe knees of a person seated at the work surface. Further, thedisclosure made no provision for management of wires and cables runningbetween the work surface module and areas remote from the work surfaceother than providing some storage for excess lengths of cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide animproved module for pre-wiring a workstation for all anticipated powerand communication needs. In general, power and communication lines willbe brought to the module in safe, compact, managed arrays. The modulewill be sized and emplaced to avoid interfering and hurtful contact withthe knees of a person using the workstation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved systemfor connectivity management within a building so that installation costsare reduced and flexibility is enhanced.

Yet another object is that the present invention reduces the amount ofhard-wired connections required on-site. Accordingly, fewer servicesfrom highly skilled labor are needed in order to install a connectivitysystem, and costs decrease accordingly.

Still another object is that the present invention extensively usesmodular components which may be pre-wired and tested off-site. Thus,efficiencies of mass production may be employed at an off-sitemanufacturing facility to reduce costs.

Another object is that the present invention efficiently andeconomically incorporates extra connectivity system capacity.Consequently, flexibility improves.

Yet another object is that the present invention integrates multipleconnectivity systems together to reduce costs, keep overall connectivityorganized, and enhance flexibility.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention arecarried out in one form by a workstation pre-wiring module for wiring aworkstation in anticipation of the power and communicationsinterconnections required for efficient effective utilization of variousunits of equipment supported on the work surface of the workstation. Thepre-wiring module comprises a work surface supported above a floor. Wiremanaging means are coupled to and proximate the work surface forcontaining and supportingly conducting power and communication linesoriginating atop the work surface.

A receptacle plate is coupled below and proximate the work surface, thereceptacle plate bearing a variety of communication and power connectorsselected for mating with connectors terminating lines from remotesources of power and remote sources and receivers of communications.Signal and power conducting means couple the receptacles and theconnectors for conveying power and communications between selected onesof the receptacles and selected ones of the connectors.

The connectors borne by the connector plate comprise feed throughconnectors. The wire managing means comprise a wire tray. The means forcoupling the receptacle plate below and proximate the work surfaceincludes a wire tray within which the receptacle plate is coupled. Thiswire tray further comprises a hinged side thereon for protecting andproviding access to the receptacle plate and the lines matingly coupledto the receptacles thereon.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means coupling theconnectors and the receptacles comprise power and signal conductinglines of sufficient length to permit coupling the connector plate belowthe work surface and proximate the floor.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention arecarried out in another form by a communication connector appearance foruse in a connectivity management system. The appearance includes atleast two sockets which collectively terminate four pairs of wires. Thefirst socket has a predefined shape and contacts located at each ofeight predefined positions within the predefined shape. Likewise, thesecond socket has substantially the same predefined shape withsubstantially the same eight corresponding predefined positions. Thefirst of the four pairs couples to contacts in the fourth and fifthpositions of the first socket and to contacts in the second and seventhpositions in the second socket. The second of the four pairs couples tocontacts in the first and second positions of the first socket and tocontacts in the fourth and fifth positions in the second socket. Thethird of the four pairs couples to contacts in the third and sixthpositions of the first socket. The fourth of the four pairs couples tocontacts in the seventh and eighth positions of the first socket and tocontacts in the third and sixth positions in the second socket.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention arecarried out in yet another form by an integrated electrical cable bundlefor use in a connectivity management system to simultaneously transmitvoice, data, and local area network (LAN) communications. The bundleincludes first, second and third cables. The first cable is configuredto transmit voice communication. The second cable is configured totransmit data communication, and the third cable is configured totransmit LAN communication. The first and second cables attach toopposing sides of the third cable so that the bundle acts as a singleunit.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention arecarried out in another form by an integrated wiring distribution racewayfor use in a connectivity management system to house both communicationand power wiring. The raceway includes a plurality of raceway walls. Afirst group of the raceway walls substantially encloses a power channelwithin the raceway. A second group of the raceway walls defines acommunication channel which is substantially open along a top sidethereof. The first and second groups of walls share a common wall.Communication wiring resides within the communication channel, and apower cable resides within the power channel. A connector mounts to thefirst group of walls near the power channel. Contacts of the connectorcouple to the power cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the FIGURES, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the FIGURES, and:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective drawing illustrating the pre-wiring ofan L-shaped workstation utilizing the pre-wiring module of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the L-shaped workstation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a receptacle plate and a connector plate as integralparts of the same wire enclosure;

FIG. 4 is a detailed illustration of the use of feed-through connectorsin the connector plate;

FIG. 5 is a detail illustration of elements of the pre-wiring module;

FIG. 6 shows a building interior in which a multiplicity of work areasare formed;

FIG. 7 shows a second preferred embodiment of a unitized destinationterminal constructed in accordance with the teaching of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows an integrated communication cable bundle constructed inaccordance with the teaching of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows details of a data cable portion of the integratedcommunication cable bundle of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows details of a local area network (LAN) cable portion of theintegrated communication cable bundle of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows an integrated raceway constructed in accordance with theteaching of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the unitized destination terminal ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 shows cabling interconnections and methodology in accordancewith the teaching of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic of relative wiring relationships betweensockets of a connector appearance utilized in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 shows a cable tracking system implemented in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a structure for a data table utilized in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, there being contemplated such alterationsand modifications of the illustrated device, and such furtherapplications of the principles of the invention as disclosed herein, aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains.

FIG. 1 illustrates in partial detail an L-shaped workstation 10 (seeFIG. 2) having a first work surface 11 supported by a vertical panel 12.A second work surface 13 is supported, in conventional manner, notshown, by panel or wall 14. Coupled to panel 12 is wire enclosure orbreakout box 15 having as its face receptacle plate 16 having thereon avariety of communication and power receptacles or connectors 17 selectedfor mating with various units of equipment anticipated to be usefullysupported by work surfaces 11 and 13. For example, a power line 20 fromequipment A on work surface 11 will mate with a power receptacle onreceptacle plate 16 while a fiber optic cable 21 from equipment B onwork surface 13 mates with the appropriate optical receptacle on saidplate 16.

Power line 20 from equipment A passes through opening 22 in work surface11 and runs along wire tray 23 in its passage in receptacle plate 16.Opening 22 is provided in surface 11 by the manufacturer or by the user.Usually, several such openings 22 will be incorporated, as indicated,along the rearmost portion of work surface 11 so that power andcommunication lines from various pieces of equipment on surface 11 maybe readily removed from the work surface and stored in wire tray 23,thus reducing wire clutter atop work surface 11.

In conventionally mounting certain work surfaces, for example surface13, a space results between the work surface and its mounting panel; forexample, the space 24 between work surface 13 and panel 14. Space 24provides ready passage for various power and communication lines, e.g.line 21, from equipment B atop surface 13 to wire tray 25 coupled belowsurface 13. Such lines are routed along tray 25 to receptacle plate 16for mating there with the appropriate receptacle 17.

Wiring enclosure 15 rests within its own wire tray 32, which has ahinged access panel 33 giving access to receptacle plate 16 andotherwise protecting plate 16 and the equipment line receptacles matedtherewith.

Interconnector plate 26 is coupled adjacent receptacle plate 16.Interconnector plate 26 bears a variety of communication and powerconnectors 27 selected for mating with connectors 28 and terminatinglines 29 from remote sources of power and remote sources and receiversof communications.

In order to convey power and communications between selected ones ofreceptacles 17 and selected ones of connectors 27, wires/cables 30 areutilized to couple appropriate receptacle-connector pairs. In thepreferred embodiment, wires/cables 30 are of a length such thatconnector plate 26 is approximately 4 inches above raised floor 34 (nolimitation implied or intended). Power and communication lines 29 andtheir terminating connectors 28 are drawn up from floor access opening35 approximate connector plate 26. Connectors 27 on connector plate 26to complete the integration of the pre-wired workstation into thebuilding communication and power system.

It is not intended to limit the approach of power and communicationlines to an underfloor approach. A ceiling drop may be just asadvantageous as an under-floor approach. Wall or floor surfaceapproaches, while not as desirable, are feasible if the line runs aremanaged and safely contained.

To maintain wire/cables 30 in neat array, a vertical wire manager, orslot box, 36 is provided. Slot box 36 is removably coupled to panel 12via adjustable hanger brackets 37 in conventional manner. Slot box 36may be easily removed to provide ready access to wires/cables 30 andconnector plate 26.

While it is not a presently preferred embodiment, this disclosureconceives of the case in which wires/cables 30 have such minimal lengthsthat connector plate 26 is drawn up to wire enclosure 15 to effectivelyreplace end plate 31 of enclosure 15. Such a result is indicated in FIG.3. In this instance, power and communication lines 29 and theirterminating connectors 28 will be drawn upward from floor access opening35, through slot box 36 to mate with the appropriate connectors 27, nowat the end of enclosure 15; that is, lines 29 will follow the path nowindicated for wire/cables 30 in FIG. 1.

The invention also conceives of the use of feed-through connectors withconnector plate 26. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 4 wherein aparticular one of connectors 27 is illustrated as feed-through connector27F. In this instance, wires/cables 30 must each be terminated in aconnector 38 as, for example, connector 38F of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a schematic presentation of the structural details justdisclosed and illustrated in earlier figures. FIG. 5 provides an exampleof the wire and connector types utilized in pre-wiring a workstation foruse with equipments of the types indicated.

FIGS. 6-14 present alternate and additional aspects of the presentinvention. The present invention operates in a building 50, asrepresented in FIG. 6. Building 50 includes a multiplicity of spacedapart work areas 52 at which employees or other individuals conducttheir activities. Typically, work areas 52 are separated by walls 53,which may be permanent features of building 50 or movable modularstructures. Work areas 52 may be spread over diverse sections andmultiple floors of building 50. Each of work areas 52 typically includesa work surface 54, which may represent a modular or conventional table,bench, desk, counter, or the like. As is conventional, work surfaces 54are spaced between a ceiling 56 and a floor 58. Plenums 60, throughwhich cabling may be routed to and from work areas 52, reside aboveceiling 56 or below floor 58 (or both). In addition, plenums 60 mayconnect stories together in a multistory building.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a unitized destination terminal 62constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.Terminal 62 is manufactured off-site at a facility (not shown) remote tobuilding 50 (see FIG. 6), then transported to and installed withinbuilding 50 as a single unit. Within building 50, a multiplicity of workareas 52 have their own destination terminals 62. As discussed above,terminal 62 includes a breakout box 15 which presents an assortment ofreceptacles or connectors 17. During installation of the connectivitysystem of the present invention, breakout box 15 is mounted near a worksurface 54 (see FIG. 6) as discussed above in FIGS. 1-5, using anyconvenient mounting means.

Destination terminal 62 additionally includes a flexible duct 64 which,at one end thereof, attaches to breakout box 15. Preferably, duct 64 ismade from a relatively safe flexible and plastic material, such aspolyvinyl chloride. As shown in FIG. 7, destination terminal 62 may beconfigured in different models. In one model, for example, duct 64attaches to a side of breakout box 15 and in another model, for example,duct 64 attaches to a bottom of breakout box 15. Such diverse modelspermit greater selection in adapting destination terminal 62 toindividual furniture configurations. In addition, the flexibilityfeature permits duct 64 to be routed through a variety of paths so thatterminal 62 can conform to individual furniture configurations andaesthetic requirements.

An escutcheon box 66 attaches to another end, remote from breakout box15, of flexible duct 64. In the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, escutcheon box 66 attaches to floor 58 or to wall 53 nearfloor 58 (see FIG. 12, discussed below) in any convenient manner.However, nothing prevents escutcheon box 66 from attaching to or nearceiling 56 (see FIG. 6) or to other portions of building 50. A hole 68in floor 58, as shown in FIG. 7, allows wires, cables, and the like, toextend between a plenum 60 and a work area 52. Escutcheon box 66 resideswithin and/or over hole 68 so that a well maintained boundary isretained between plenum 60 and work area 52. Preferably, escutcheon box66 is constructed from metal to promote fire safety.

In addition, escutcheon box 66 houses a plurality of connectors 70.Connectors 70 couple to wires/cables 30 which extend within duct 64 tobreakout box 15 and couple to corresponding connectors 17 of breakoutbox 15. In particular, escutcheon box 66 houses a power connector 70a, avoice connector 70b, a data connector 70c, and a local area network(LAN) connector 70d.

Additional connectors 70 housed by escutcheon box 66 may include anintegrated switched data network (ISDN) connector, fiber opticconnector, and a video or coaxial connector. However, in the preferredembodiment, such additional connectors 70 are not installed at theremote fabrication facility, discussed above. Generally speaking, suchadditional connectors, and their related wiring, are utilized too seldomin buildings to support the increased material cost of incorporatingthem within a multiplicity of destination terminals 62. Nevertheless,within the preferred embodiment one or more flexible, hollow tubes 72are installed through duct 64 between escutcheon box 66 and breakout box15 at locations designated for fiber optic and coaxial connectors sothat such connectors and corresponding wiring or cabling may beinstalled later with a minimum amount of difficulty.

Preferably, connectors 70 are all standard socket-type connectors. Forexample, voice and data connectors 70b and 70c are preferablyconventional RJ-45, 8-contact modular phone sockets. Connector 70b isintended to carry voice communication while connector 70c is intended tocarry data being reversed. Likewise, LAN connector 70d is preferably aconventional IBM LAN socket. In the preferred embodiment, powerconnector 70a is a 5-pin socket which is configured to carry up to fourindependent AC electrical power circuits with a common ground.

As those skilled in the art will recognize, voice communicationgenerally refers to communication transmitted through phone networks.Such communication is typically analog data which exhibits frequenciesless than 3000-6000 Hz. Data communication generally refers torelatively low-speed computer signals which typically, but notnecessarily, operate at data rates of 19.2 Kbps or less. Suchcommunication typically occurs between mainframe computers and remoteterminals, between computers and printers or other data I/0 devices, orbetween computers using low speed data links. For purposes of thepresent invention, LAN communication is distinguished from datacommunication. LAN communication is well known to those skilled in theart and typically represents higher speed data than is transmitted withdata communication, as discussed above. High volume data transfersbetween computers often occur through LAN communication using Ethernet,Token Ring, Arcnet, or other conventional local area network topologies.

Connector 70b couples to a connector appearance 17b of breakout box 15.Likewise, connectors 70c and 70d couple to a respective connectorappearance 17c and connector 17d of breakout box 15. Each of connectorappearances 17b and 17c includes three standard modular phone sockets,as discussed below in connection with FIG. 14, while connector 17d ispreferably a conventional IBM LAN socket. Four pairs of wires are routedbetween each of connectors 70b and 70c and appearances 17b and 17c,respectively.

Connector 70a is preferably physically separated within escutcheon box66 from connectors 70b--70d to enhance safety and reduce electricalinterference from power to communication signals. Connector 70a couplesto connectors 17a, which are standard AC duplex outlets. In addition,circuits between connectors 70a and 17a may include switches or circuitbreakers 74 as is conventional in the distribution of AC power. Ofconnectors 17a, connectors 17a.1 and 17a.2 may advantageously couple toseparate ones of the power circuits carried by connector 70a. The use ofindividual power circuits allows the distribution of greater amounts ofpower than could be distributed by a single circuit and isolates thecircuits from one another for improved performance of equipment whichcouples to such circuits. For example, one of these circuits may supplyuninterruptable power for use by a personal computer (not shown) withinwork area 52.

Destination terminal 62 may optionally include satellite modules 76aand/or 76b for distribution of power to locations remote from breakoutbox 15 within work area 52. Each of satellite modules 76 includes asatellite breakout box 78 which presents connectors 17a. Specifically,connectors 17a.3 of satellite module 76a may advantageously couple totheir own one of the four power circuits carried by connector 70a, andconnectors 17a.4 of satellite module 76b may advantageously couple totheir own one of the four power circuits carried by connector 70a. Eachof modules 76 attaches to one end of a flexible conduit 80. Electricalwiring (not shown) extends through conduit 80 to a plug connector 82.Plug connector 82 mates with a socket connector 84 mounted at sides ofbreakout box 15. Additional electrical wiring (not shown) couplesconnectors 84 to connector 70a. Preferably, plug connectors 82 andsocket connectors 84 lock into place once they have been mated togetherso that they do not inadvertently become disconnected.

As shown in FIG. 7, a power whip 86 has plug connectors 88 installed onopposing ends thereof. One of plug connectors 88 mates with socketconnector 70a of escutcheon box 66. The other of plug connectors 88mates with a socket connector 90 mounted in a power distribution box(PDB) 92, which in turn mounts to an integrated raceway 94. As discussedbelow in connection with FIG. 11, raceway 94 supplies electrical powerat socket connector 90. Preferably socket connector 90 is configuredidentically to socket connector 70a. Hence, both of plug connectors 88have an identical configuration. Wiring within whip 86 connects plugconnectors 88 together in a one-to-one correspondence, in which pins 1of connectors 88 couple together, pins 2 of connectors 88 coupletogether, and so on.

In addition, an integrated communications cable bundle 96 has, installedon one end thereof, plug connectors 98b, 98c, and 98d which mate withsockets 70b, 70c, and 70d, respectively, of escutcheon box 66.Preferably, plug connectors 88 and 98 and socket connectors 70 and 90lock into their respective places once they have been mated together sothat they do not inadvertently become disconnected. Integrated cablebundle 96 also comes from raceway 94.

Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, whip 86, raceway 94, andintegrated cable bundle 96 are all connectorized, a process in whichconnectors are installed on a cable, and tested off-site. Thus, on-siteskilled labor is not required to establish connectivity between workarea 52 and raceway 94. When the multiplicity of work areas 52 within abuilding 50 (see FIG. 6) are considered, a considerable savings ininstallation cost results. In addition, the present invention transportsand otherwise handles power and communication signals using common,modular integrated destination terminals 62 and integrated raceways 94.As a result, connectivity organization improves. Furthermore, a widevariety of connectivity systems are accommodated by destination terminal62 and raceway 94. Thus, flexibility is enhanced.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate details of communications cable bundle 96. Thepreferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a bundleconfiguration which is specifically adapted for the integratedtransportation of diverse communications signals. As shown in FIG. 8,bundle 96 includes a voice cable 100, a data cable 102, and a LAN cable104. Cables 100-104 couple to plug connectors 98b-98d, respectively.Socket connectors 106b, 106c, and 106d also couple to cables 100, 102,and 104, respectively, at the end of cable bundle 96 which opposesconnectors 98. Each of connectors 98b, 98c, 106b, and 106c is preferablya conventional 8-contact modular phone plug or socket. Moreover, aone-to-one correspondence is followed in coupling cables 100 and 102 toconnectors 98b-98c and 106b-106c, respectively. Likewise, both ofconnectors 98d and 106d are preferably conventional IBM LAN plug andsocket connectors, and a one-to-one correspondence is followed incoupling cable 104 between connectors 98d and 106d.

In addition, labels 108b, 108c, and 108d are permanently attached tocables 100, 102, and 104, respectively. Labels 108 each bear a uniqueidentifying code. The particular nomenclature used in codifying labels108 is not important in the present invention so long as no two labelsin the connectivity system of the present invention for building 50 (seeFIG. 6) bear the same information. Preferably, each of labels 108b-108dis duplicated and attached to the opposing ends of cables 100-104,respectively. Hence, the same identifying information resides at the twoends of each of cables 100-104.

Cables 100 and 102 attach to cable 104 so that cables 100 and 102 aremaintained on opposing sides of cable 104. Accordingly, electricalinterference between communications carried by cables 100 and 102 isminimized. The present invention contemplates the attachment of cables100 and 102 to cable 104 either through the use of a thin integralinsulation membrane, as shown in FIG. 8, or through the use of a commonjacket which surrounds all of cables 100-104.

As discussed above, the present invention manufactures, connectorizes,labels, and tests cable bundle 96 off-site. Thus, cable bundle 96 may beinstalled on-site cheaply and easily. In addition, cable bundle 96unitizes wiring needs for a wide variety of communication applications.In other words, the connectivity system of the present inventionintegrates diverse parallel connectivity needs so that onlyserially-connected single units are handled to meet the diverse parallelconnectivity needs.

In the preferred embodiment, voice and data cables 100 and 102 aresubstantially identical to one another in electrical characteristics,while LAN cable 104 differs from cables 100 and 102. However, cables100-104 differ substantially from one another in physical appearance.Preferably, jackets for cables 100-104 exhibit different colors. In thepreferred embodiment, voice cable 100 has a black jacket, data cable 102has a blue jacket, and LAN cable 104 has a green jacket. Furthermore,this color scheme is maintained throughout the connectivity system ofthe present invention. In other words, cables and jumpers (discussedbelow) which carry voice communication are predominantly blackthroughout the present connectivity system, cables and jumpers whichcarry data communication are predominantly blue throughout the presentconnectivity system, and cables and jumpers which carry LANcommunication are predominantly green throughout the presentconnectivity system. This color coding scheme enhances cableorganization within building 50 (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 9 shows construction details of voice cable 100. However, sincedata cable 102 is electrically identical to voice cable 100, FIG. 9 alsoapplies to construction details of cable 102. In particular, cable 100includes four pairs of wires, referenced as pairs 110a, 110b, 110c, and110d in FIG. 9. Each wire of pairs 110a-110d is preferably a solidcopper, 22 gauge, insulated wire. In the preferred embodiment, theinsulation is constructed from a polyvinyldene fluoride, such as Kynar.Moreover, each of pairs 110a-110d is twisted together to improvetransmission characteristics of the pairs. Still further, the twists ofpairs 110a-110d are staggered to reduce bipolar crosstalk between thepairs. In other words, the lay of each of pairs 110a-110d differs fromthe lay of the others of pairs 110a-110d. All of pairs 110a-110d areretained within a common jacket 112. Preferably, jacket 112 is formedfrom a material which promotes fire safety, such as Teflon or Kynar.

FIG. 10 shows construction details of LAN cable 104. As is conventionalin connection with cables adapted for LAN communication, cable 104includes wire pairs 114a and 114b. Each member of pairs 114a-114bincludes a solid copper, 22 gauge wire 116, surrounded with a FEP 100,well known to those skilled in the art, insulation 118 to a thickness ofaround 0.038 inches. Hence, the overall outside diameter of each wire ofpairs 114a-114b is around 0.101 inches. Each of pairs 114a-114b istwisted together and surrounded by a conductive Mylar/aluminum foil 120.A 22 gauge drain wire 122 resides between and outside of foils 120 foreach of pairs 114a-114b, and a jacket 124 surrounds pairs 114a-114b,foils 120, and drain wire 122. In the preferred embodiment, jacket 124is formed from a safe, plastic material. In particular, a polyvinyldenefluoride plastic known to those skilled in the art as Kynar 2900 ishighly desirable for its safety and electrical characteristics.

Jacket 124, in conjunction with drain wire 122, serves a valuableelectrical function in the present invention. In the preferredembodiment, jacket 124 is formed to have a wall thickness of at least0.009 inches and preferably around 0.010 inches. This large thicknesssignificantly reduces the overall impedance of jacket 124 at the highspeed data rates characteristic of LAN communication. As a result, itserves in a limited capacity as a conductor to high frequency, transientelectrical fields. Electrical currents responsive to such electricalfields are thus induced between jacket 124 and drain wire 122.Accordingly, jacket 124, in conjunction with drain wire 122, acts as abarrier to electrical fields. Jacket 124 retains LAN-generatedelectrical fields within cable 104 and blocks interference by externalelectrical fields. As a result, cable 104 exhibits electricalcharacteristics generally equivalent to those of conventional LANcables, which include a braided, conductive shield surrounding cablewires. However, cable 104 is an improvement over such cables. Cable 104is easier to connectorize because it contains no braided shields whichwould otherwise require de-braiding and dressing-back in order to makewire preparations on cable 104.

FIG. 11 shows details of integrated raceway 94. Raceway 94 integratesthe routing management of wiring for diverse communications togetherwith electrical power. As indicated in FIG. 11, raceway 94 may be formedinto a lattice within plenum 60 using modular raceway components. Thespecific geometry of this lattice is unimportant in the presentinvention and may be adapted to meet and conform to architecturalfeatures of building 50 (see FIG. 6).

Generally speaking, raceway 94 includes a plurality of raceway walls126. Walls 126 extend generally lengthwise through each module orsection of raceway 94. However, walls 126 may be interrupted, as shownin a T-module 128 of raceway 94, so that wires may be routed through theinterruption. Walls 126 are configured so that various channels areformed within raceway 94. Thus, a power channel 130 resides at a lowerpart of a first side of raceway 94, a power channel 132 resides at alower part of a second side of raceway 94, a communication channel 134resides above power channel 130 at an upper part of the first side ofraceway 94, and a communication channel 136 resides above power channel132 at an upper part of the second side of raceway 94. Walls 126 arefurther configured to generally surround power channels 130-132. On theother hand, each of communication channels 134-136 are open at their topsides. Walls 126 are constructed from a safe material, such as a metalor polyvinyl chloride. However, a conductive metal is preferred to serveas common walls between channels 130-136. The use of a conductive metalreduces electrical interference between the wiring housed in channels130-136.

In an alternate embodiment, illustrated by FIG. 7, power channel 130 mayreside beside communication channel 134 rather than above it. In thisembodiment, a door 131 slidably mates with walls --126 at an upperportion of channel 130 to entirely enclose channel 130. This embodimentis desirable when a limited amount of space is available within plenum60 because it reduces the height of raceway 94.

With reference back to FIG. 11, walls 126 which reside at the upper,exterior portions of raceway 94 bear a multiplicity of slots 138 openedtherein. Slots 138 extend to the top of raceway 94. Accordingly, cablebundles 96 may be installed in channels 134 or 136 of raceway 94 simplyby laying bundle 96 in channels 134 or 136 from above. Bundles 96 neednot be threaded through any openings. Each bundle 96 is routed into andout from channels 134-136 at the slot 138 which resides nearest theescutcheon box 66 (see FIG. 7) to which the bundle 96 mates. Inaddition, raceway 94 routes bundles 96 to a common communicationdistribution area 140, for further connectivity management, as discussedbelow in connection with FIG. 13. Channels 134-136 also communicatecoaxial, video, fiber optic, and other connectivity systems, if needed,in the manner discussed above for bundles 96.

Power channels 130-132 of raceway 94 carry electrical power distributioncables 142 from a power distribution center 144 of building 50 (see FIG.6) to power distribution boxes (PDBs) 92, discussed above. PDBs 92 arepreferably located at predetermined, standardized locations on raceway94. As discussed above (see FIG. 7), one or more socket connectors 90mount in each PDB 92. PDBs 92 are physically mounted to raceway 94 sothat socket connectors 90 may electrically tap into various ones ofcables 142. As discussed above, connectors 90 may carry up to fourindependent power circuits. Thus, a multiplicity of cables 142 mayreside within channels 130-132. Since channels 130-132 and associatedPDBs 92 are located on opposing sides of raceway 94, power whips 86 arearranged not to cross over or under raceway 94.

Preferably, modular sections of raceway 94 are fabricated, loaded withcables 142, connectorized, and tested off-site. Thus, raceway 94 may beinstalled on-site simply by plugging these sections together.Consequently, additional connectors (not shown) may be fitted on ends ofsuch modular sections to communicate power between the sections.However, cables 142 are coupled to power distribution center 144 usingconventional hard-wired, wire preparation techniques.

As an alternate embodiment, raceway 94 may be fitted with connectors 90off-site, and then connectors 90 may be coupled to cables 142 on-siteusing conventional wire preparation techniques. This alternateembodiment requires additional skilled labor to install raceway 94 butremoves concerns about interconnections between the modular sections ofraceway 94. In the preferred embodiment, the geometry of raceway 94 doesnot need to change to support a wide variety of furniture positioning,room partitioning, and work area locations. Thus, the use of additionalservices from skilled labor during the installation of raceway 94 neednot be repeated to accommodate future connectivity changes.

In yet another configuration of raceway 94, electrical power need not berouted through power channels 130-132 at all. As shown in FIG. 11, asecondary portion 146 of raceway 94 receives power at PDB 92 externallythrough a power whip 148. Power whip 148 is constructed substantiallythe same as described above for power whip 86. At PDB 92 on secondaryportion 146, connectors 90 are connected in parallel. Thus, otherconnectors 90 within PDB 92 receive power through power whip 148 and maycommunicate such power to an escutcheon box 66 through a power whip 86,as discussed above. Consequently, services from skilled labor are notneeded, and wire crossing geometries may be omitted by the use ofexternal power whips 148.

FIGS. 7 and 11 illustrate the present invention in connection with therouting of wiring in an under-floor plenum 60. In the under-floorconfiguration, raceway 94 is supported from beneath. FIG. 12 shows thepresent invention in connection with the routing of wiring in anabove-ceiling plenum 60. As shown in FIG. 12, escutcheon box 66 mayreside on floor 58 adjacent to a wall 53. In this above-ceilingconfiguration, escutcheon box 66 has a different physical configurationfrom that shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 because it mates to wall 53 ratherthan to floor 58. As is conventional with modular office furniture, thebottom of wall 53 includes a raceway 150. Accordingly, power whips 86and bundles 96 are routed within raceway 150 from a building column 151to escutcheon box 66. T-connectors (not shown) may be used todaisy-chain electrical power distribution within raceway 150 to multiplework areas 52 if necessary. Power and communication wiring are routedupward within column 151 to ceiling plenum 60, where they enter raceway94 and are routed as discussed above in connection with FIG. 11. In theabove-ceiling configuration, raceway 94 is suspended from above.

FIG. 13 shows communication connectivity devices and connectivitymethodology used by the present invention. As discussed above, cablebundles 96 from a multiplicity of work areas 52 are collected at commoncommunication distribution area 140. Larger installations mayincorporate several of areas 140, each of which collect bundles 96 forits own group of work areas 52. For example, one of areas 140 may existfor each story in a multistory building 50 (see FIG. 6). An intermediateinterconnection cabinet 152 resides at each of areas 140. Cabinet 152separates the integrated communication cables for further distributionwithin the connectivity system of the present invention.

In particular, each cable bundle 96 terminates at a voice/data panel154. Voice/data panel 154 is manufactured off-site and populatedon-site. In other words, hole preparations and labeling for panel 154are performed off-site, and connectors 106b-106d (discussed above inconnection with FIG. 8) are installed on panel 154 on-site. Preferably,each of connectors 106 is the type of connector well known in the artwhich is mounted simply by being pushed through holes in panel 154 fromthe rear of panel 154. A connector triplet 156 is formed collectively byvoice socket connector 106b, data socket connector 106c, and LAN socketconnector 106d for each of bundles 96 terminated at panel 154. In thepreferred embodiment, each panel 154 contains up to 32 of connectortriplets 156, and cabinet 152 includes 3 of panels 154.

Cabinet 152 additionally includes a voice interconnect panel --158 and adata interconnect panel 160 for each voice/data panel 154. Thus, in thepreferred embodiment cabinet 152 includes three of voice panels 158 andthree of data panels 160. Each of voice and data panels 158-160 includesup to 32 standard 8-pin modular phone socket connectors 162 and 164,respectively. Voice jumper cables 166 and data jumper cables 168 havemating standard 8-pin modular phone plug connectors installed onopposing ends in a one-to-one correspondence. Jumpers 166-168 mate withselected ones of connectors 106b-106c, respectively, and with selectedones of connectors 162-162, respectively. As will become evident fromthe discussion below, the precise connectivity between connectors106b-106c and connectors 162-162 is not an important feature of thepresent invention, and can be adapted to conform to a wide variety ofconnectivity needs. Preferably, jumpers 166-168 differ from one anotheronly in jacket coloring, as discussed above. For the preferredembodiment, 96 of voice jumpers 166 and 96 of data jumpers 168 arerequired to fully connect all connector triplets 156 to panels 158-160.

Voice connectors 162 are grouped together into groups of 25 connectorseach, wherein a group need not be confined to a single panel 158.Individual contacts from voice connectors 162 within each group coupleto their own 200 pin socket connector (not shown). A 100 pair voiceinterconnect cable 170 has mating plug connectors installed at itsopposing ends. Thus, all of communication signals carried by connectors162 from a single cabinet 152 are collected in four of cables 170 forrouting to a central voice connectivity area 172.

Similarly, data connectors 164 are grouped together into groups of sixconnectors each, wherein a group need not be confined to a single panel160. Individual contacts from data connectors 164 within each groupcouple to their own 50 pin socket connector (not shown), in which twopins remain unused. A 25 pair data interconnect cable 174 has matingplug connectors installed at its opposing ends. Thus, all of connectors164 from a single cabinet 152 are collected in 16 of cables 174 forrouting to a central data connectivity area 176.

LAN jumper cables 178 have plug sockets installed on opposing ends in aone-to-one correspondence. For each jumper cable 178, one connectorconnects to a socket connector 106d of a connector triplet 156. Theother end of each of jumpers 178 couples to a multiple access unit (MAU)180, which is well known to those skilled in the art. MAU 180 preferablyresides near cabinet 152. MAU 180 is used to interconnect LANcommunications in a predetermined LAN topology, such as a ring, star,bus, and the like.

At central voice connectivity area 172 and at central data connectivityarea 176, cables 170 and 174 mate with corresponding socket connectors(not shown) of a voice distribution cabinet 182 and a data distributioncabinet 184, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, cables 170-174are connectorized off-site in a one-to-one correspondence. Thus, theycan be cheaply and quickly installed in building 50 through anyconvenient plenum 60 (see FIG. 6). In a multistory installation, cables170-174 from common communication distribution areas 140 on separatefloors are typically routed vertically and collected together on acommon floor, typically in a basement.

Distribution cabinets 182-184 break the communications signals carriedby cables 170-174, respectively, into socket connectors which correspondto each of destination terminals 62 (see FIG. 7) in building 50 (seeFIG. 6). As discussed above in connection with FIG. 7, voice and datacommunication is presented in a three socket appearance at destinationterminal 62. Likewise, distribution cabinets 182 and 184 duplicate thisappearance so that each four-pair group of wires which couples to anindividual destination terminal 62 for voice and data communication arepresented using three standard modular phone sockets.

FIG. 14 provides the interconnection definition used by the preferredembodiment of the present invention for this appearance at destinationterminal 62 and at cabinets 182-184. This definition is configured tomaximize the flexibility achievable in utilizing the four pairs of wiresfor communications, whether voice or data. In particular, a modularphone socket is configured as having up to 8 contacts, each of which islocated at its own predetermined position. FIG. 14 identifies theseeight positions with the numerals 1-8. While eight positions aredefined, many voice and data communication devices require only 6 (threepair) or 4 (two pair) contacts. Thus, a six-pin standard modular phoneplug and a four-pin standard modular phone plug are commonly utilized bycommunication devices. The six-pin modular plugs mate with the centralsix positions of the modular socket, and the four-pin modular phoneplugs may mate with the central four positions of the modular socket.

Using the eight predetermined positions illustrated in FIG. 14, thepreferred embodiment of the present invention couples a first pair ofwires 186 to contacts which populate the third and sixth positions of afirst socket 188, the fourth and fifth positions of a second socket 190,and the second and seventh positions of a third socket --192. A secondpair 194 couples to contacts which populate the first and secondpositions of socket 190 and the fourth and fifth positions of socket192. A third pair 196 couples to contacts which populate the fourth andfifth positions of socket 188 and the third and sixth positions ofsocket 190. A fourth pair 198 couples to contacts which populate theseventh and eighth positions of socket 190 and the third and sixthpositions of socket 192.

Accordingly, the appearance defined by the present invention permitssimultaneous use of a two-pair device mated with socket 188 and athree-pair device mated with socket 192. Similarly, a two-pair devicemated with socket 188 may be simultaneously used with a two-pair devicemated with socket 192. And, three two-pair devices may be mated withtheir own ones of sockets 188-192. All of these applications occurwithout causing interference with one another because none of pairs186-198 are used by more than one device. Of course, a single four-pairdevice may also be used by mating it with connector 190.

With reference back to FIG. 13, distribution cabinets 182-184 eachinclude an appearance as defined in FIG. 14 for each four-pair group ofwires routed thereto. These appearances electrically couple to 200 pinand 50 pin connectors for mating with cables 170 and 174, respectively.The coupling may advantageously result from the use of schemes similarto those discussed above for panels 158-160. From distribution cabinet182, voice jumper cables 200 couple voice communications from theappearances of sockets 188-192 (see FIG. 14) to a voice cross-connectcabinet 202. Likewise, from distribution cabinet 184, data jumper cables204 couple data communications from the appearances of sockets 188-192to a data cross-connect cabinet 206. Preferably, each of jumpers 200 and204 includes a four-pair cable coupled in a one-to-one correspondencebetween standard modular 8-pin phone plugs. With four-pair cables, anycable may be used with any of sockets 188-192. However, nothing preventsthe use of two-pair and three-pair cables to mate only with sockets 188and 192, respectively (see FIG. 14).

Cross-connect cabinets 202 and 206 couple data from standard modulartwo-pair, three-pair, and four-pair sockets, as discussed above in FIG.14, to conventional coupling blocks or connectors to which a buildingsvoice and data communications interface in a conventional manner. Suchinterfaces couple voice cross-connect cabinet 202 to a building's PBX(not shown) and couple data voice cross-connect cabinet 206 to amainframe computer's front-end controllers (not shown).

FIGS. 15 and 16 together show labeling and tracking features of thepresent invention. These labeling and tracking features aid themanagement of connectivity. Specifically, building 50 (see FIG. 6) isassigned a grid nomenclature or code which uniquely identifies thephysical locations of each of work areas 52. In addition, each socketconnector in cabinets 152, 202 and 206 is assigned a unique panelnomenclature or code to identify the sockets. Preferably, thisnomenclature is printed on the cabinets near the corresponding socketsor derived in such a manner that connectors are easily associated with aunique code and vice-versa. As discussed above, labels 108b-108d areattached to cables 100-104 of cable bundle 96 (see FIG. 8). In a similarmanner, each communication cable and jumper cable used within theconnectivity system of the present invention includes its own uniquelycoded label.

A data table is formed to include a multiplicity of data records similarto a data record 208 illustrated in FIG. 16. Preferably, this data tableis maintained in a computer database (not shown) for fast and convenientsearching, sorting, and alteration. Upon initial installation, jumpers166, 168, 200, and 204 (see FIG. 13) may be installed in accordance witha predetermined pattern. For example, a first connector triplet 156 maycouple through a voice jumper 166 to a first voice socket 162, and afirst appearance at cabinet 182 may couple to a first appearance atcabinet 202, and so on for the remaining voice communication and datacommunication channels. This predetermined pattern connects to allcommunication circuits to cross-connect cabinets 202 and 206. Wiringbetween a PBX or mainframe controller and cabinets 202 and 206 completesconnectivity and assigns external identifiers, such as phone numbers,terminal numbers, and the like. The external identifiers, cable labels,cabinet labels and grid-codes are all recorded in a record 208 for eachcircuit in the connectivity system of the present invention. The datatable thus supplies a complete connectivity definition for theconnectivity system of the present invention.

The present invention permits easy connectivity changes. Accordingly,when physical environment changes occur, employees leave or move, or inother circumstances, the data table may be consulted to identify jumperswhich must be moved to make a desired connectivity change. For example,the data table identifies the cross-connect cabinet position associatedwith an old phone number or computer terminal number, and theintermediate cabinet connector positions associated with a new buildinggrid code. By re-connecting the old phone number cabinet position to thenew building grid code connector position through appropriate jumpermovement, a connectivity change takes place. Such a change requires nohard-wiring changes, and may be quickly and successfully concluded bybuilding maintenance personnel. Once concluded, the data table isupdated to reflect the new connectivity definition. In a preferredembodiment, conventional database software is adapted to access the datatable. By entering old identifiers, such as a phone number and computerterminal number, and a new grid location, the computer generatesspecific jumper removal and jumper installation instructions to effect adesired connectivity change. So long as the instructions are followed,the data table remains current.

In summary, what has been described is a workstation pre-wiring modulewhereby workstations may be readily pre-wired to accommodate the variouspower and communication line connections required by a wide variety ofequipment and devices anticipated to be used at the workstation. Thepre-wiring module is intended for use with workstations of variousdesigns, styles and manufacture.

The present invention provides an improved system for connectivitymanagement within a building. Significant improvements in initialinstallation costs result from the extensive use of modular componentswhich are fabricated and tested off-site, then installed quickly withoutthe need of significant highly skilled labor. Flexibility improvementsresult from the minimization of on-site hard-wiring and from theintegration of diverse communication facilities within the modularcomponents. Specifically, each work area is equipped with manycommunication channels that may be used for a wide variety ofcommunication services.

The present invention has been described above with reference topreferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognizethat changes and modifications may be made in these preferredembodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.For example, the particular materials used in the present invention arechosen primarily for safety. Consequently, plenum-rated materials aregenerally preferred for fire safety. However, a wide degree of variationin such materials is permissible so long as the materials chosen aregenerally safe. These and other changes and modifications which areobvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated connectivity distribution racewayfor use in a wiring management system to house both communication andpower wires, said raceway comprising:a plurality of raceway wallsconfigured so that:a first portion of said walls substantially enclosesa power channel, and a second portion of said walls defines acommunication channel, said communication channel being substantiallyopen on a top side thereof, said first and second portions of said wallshaving a common wall; communication wiring residing within saidcommunication channel, said communication wiring being configured fortransmission of electrical communication signals; a power cable residingwithin said power channel, said power cable being configured fortransmission of electrical power; and a connector mounted to said firstportion of said walls proximate said power channel and having contactscoupled to said power cable.
 2. An integrated wiring distributionraceway as claimed in claim 1 wherein:one wall of said second portion ofsaid walls serves as an exterior side wall of said raceway; said one ofsaid walls has a plurality of slots therein; and said communicationwiring exits said communication channel of said raceway at one of saidslots.
 3. An integrated wiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim1 wherein said communication channel resides above said power channel.4. An integrated wiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 1wherein said common wall between said first and second portions of saidwalls is a conductive wall to reduce electrical interference betweensaid power cable and said communication wiring.
 5. An integrated wiringdistribution raceway as claimed in claim 1 wherein said communicationwiring includes a multiplicity of cable bundles, wherein each of saidcable bundles comprises:a first cable configured for transmission ofvoice communications; a second cable configured for transmission of datacommunications; and a third cable configured for transmission of LANcommunications, said first and second cables being attached to saidthird cable on opposing sides of said third cable.
 6. An integratedwiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 1 wherein said racewaywalls are further configured so that a third portion of said wallssubstantially encloses a second power channel, and said racewayadditionally comprises:a second power cable residing within said secondpower channel, said second power cable being configured for transmissionof electrical power; and a second connector mounted to said thirdportion of said walls proximate said second power channel, said secondconnector having contacts coupled to said second power cable.
 7. Anintegrated wiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 1 wherein:oneof said first portion of said walls serves as a first exterior side wallfor said raceway; one of said third portion of said walls serves as asecond exterior side wall for said raceway, said first and secondexterior side walls opposing one another; and said connector and secondconnector mount to said first and second exterior walls, respectively,of said raceway.
 8. An integrated wiring distribution raceway as claimedin claim 1 wherein said power cable and said connector are mutuallyconfigured to transmit at least two independent electrical powercircuits.
 9. An integrated wiring distribution raceway as claimed inclaim 8 said power cable and said connector are mutually configured totransmit four independent electrical power circuits.
 10. An integratedwiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 1 wherein said racewaywalls are further configured so that a third portion of said wallsdefines a second communication channel, said second communicationchannel being substantially open on a top side thereof, and said secondand third portions of said walls having a common wall.
 11. An integratedwiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 10 wherein said commonwall between said second and third portions of said walls is aconductive wall.
 12. An integrated wiring distribution raceway asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said communication wiring forms a cablebundle comprising:a first cable configured for transmission of voicecommunications; a second cable configured for transmission of datacommunications; and a third cable configured for transmission of LANcommunications, said first and second cables being attached to saidthird cable on opposing sides of said third cable.
 13. An integratedwiring distribution raceway as claimed in claim 12 wherein:said firstcable comprises a plurality of voice pairs of wires wherein each of saidvoice pairs of wires are twisted together; and said second cablecomprises a plurality of data pairs of wires wherein each of said datapairs of wires are twisted together.
 14. An integrated wiringdistribution raceway as claimed in claim 12 said third cable comprises:afirst LAN pair having first and second insulated wires twisted togetherand surrounded by a first conductive foil; a second LAN pair havingthird and fourth insulated wires twisted together and surrounded by asecond conductive foil; a drain wire positioned between said first andsecond LAN pairs; and a LAN jacket made from a plastic material, saidLAN jacket surrounding said first and second LAN pair and said drainwire.
 15. A unitized destination terminal for use in a connectivitymanagement system at a work area having a work surface, said terminalcomprising:a first breakout box having a first connector configured fortransmission of voice communication, and a second connector configuredfor transmission of power, and a fourth connector configured fortransmission of data communication, a third connector configured fortransmission of power, said first breakout box being configured forinstallation proximate said work surface of said work area; first,second, and third cables wherein:each of said cables has first andsecond ends, said first ends of said first and second cables couple tosaid first and second connectors, respectively, said third cable isconfigured to transmit at least two independent power circuits, one ofsaid two independent power circuits being coupled to said thirdconnector and another of said two independent power circuits beingcoupled to said fourth connector; a fourth cable having first and secondends; a fifth connector coupled to said first end of said fourth cableand being configured to mate with said fourth connector; a flexibleconduit having first and second ends, said conduit first end beingattached to said fifth connector, and said fourth cable being routedthrough conduit; and a second breakout box attached to said second endof said flexible conduit, said second breakout box having a sixthconnector coupled to said second end of said fourth cable to remotelylocate power from said first breakout box.
 16. A unitized destinationterminal as claimed in claim 15 additionally comprising a fifth cable,and wherein said first breakout box additionally has a seventh connectorconfigured for transmission of local area network (LAN) communication,said fifth cable being coupled to said seventh connector.
 17. A unitizeddestination terminal as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one of saidfirst and second cables includes first, second, third, and fourth pairsof wires, and a corresponding one of said first and second connectorsforms a connector appearance comprising:a first socket having apredetermined physical shape and contacts positioned at first, second,third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth predetermined positionsrelative to said predetermined shape, wherein:said first pair couples tocontacts in said fourth and fifth positions, said second pair couples tocontacts in said first and second positions, said third pair couples tocontacts in said third and sixth positions, and said fourth pair couplesto contacts in said seventh and eighth positions; and a second sockethaving substantially said predetermined physical shape and contactspositioned substantially at said second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,and seventh positions relative to said shape, wherein:said first paircouples to contacts in said second and seventh positions, said secondpair couples to contacts in said fourth and fifth positions, and saidfourth pair couples to contacts in said third and sixth positions.
 18. Aunitized destination terminal as claimed in claim 17 wherein saidconnector appearance additionally comprises:a third socket havingsubstantially said predetermined physical shape and contacts positionedsubstantially at said third, fourth, fifth, and sixth positions relativeto said shape, wherein:said first pair couples to contacts in said thirdand sixth positions, and said third pair couples to contacts in saidfourth and fifth positions.